Monday, March 10, 2008

We are so excited about the show on March 29th. For those of you who don't know, our friend Bobby Heinson has put together a benefit show for Meredith and I at the Artistery in Portland. I haven't heard all of the details, but I am looking forward to the bands that have completely donated their time. In addition Bobby is putting together a silent auction for items that people have donated. Honestly, it seems a little weird talking about a benefit show for us, but we are so grateful I had to mention it. I have to mention Aaron at the Artistery who, when Bobby pitched the idea, donated any prime weekend night of Bobby's choosing. Here is the link to the show's web page:www.anomalouspdx.com/cancerschmancer

Hey Nick and Meredith! Not sure if you remember me...It's Jessica Duchesneau, and old friend of Bobby's. Anywho.. I just wanted to say that I will pray for Meredith's continued recovery. I always thought you were a sweet couple. Take Care :)

Links

Blessings

My mom's co-workers donated many hours of sick time to her so she can be with me when I need her.

My dad was able to take time off work to take me to radiation and other appointments.

The benefit show had a great turnout.

God continues to provide for us financially.

We have a pastor and elders who show us they care.

We have an incredible support system.

My pelvic surgery brought better news than we hoped for.

One tumor appears to be gone and the other much smaller than it was.

Our vacation was great.

Nick's grandparents are taking us to Palm Springs.

I'm finished with chemo!!!!!!

I have a sunny getaway to look forward to.

My PICC line lets me get poked much less

Gigantic soft serve cones at the Big Burger

Feeling well enough to play in the snow.

Tualatin Police Department and their selfless acts of kindness.

Meredith's brain MRI (post black-out) came back normal, it was just dehydration.

I finished the bathroom and Meredith was able to soak in a hot bath yesterday...and everything works!

Her incision isn't hurting as much and she doesn't have to sleep with an ice pack every night.

Meredith has not been throwing up like she was after her first round of chemo.

My pelvic tumors have shrunk at least 2cm each.

We know that chemo is working!

A white Christmas full of fun, family, friends and no nausea.

My incision is healing very well from my chest surgery.

My nausea is finally under control and I am able to return to my daily routine.

We are still learning of more people joining our Prayer Army on a daily basis. Thank you all!

Base-line scans at the start of chemo showed no additional tumors or problem areas.

A cancer counselor (Katie Hartnet) stopped by to talk to us Thursday. When we told her about a need for a laptop to blog with she brought us her own personal macbook to use during our stay.

Dr B ordered an MRI of my pelvis on a hunch and 2 large tumors were found that could easily have been neglected and could have caused a lot of damage.

All of the cards, letters of encouragement, gifts and love sent our way.

Originally we thought this could be something contracted on our missions trip to Brazil. The same week Meredith had her surgery our pastor was in Brazil and the church we visited was able to hear about our situation and pray for us.

The part time job has served its purpose and Nick no longer needs to do it. Amen

Nick was able to find a part time job close to home that he could do a couple hours a day.

The tumor was contained in the lower lobe of Meredith's lung allowing her to lose only part of her left lung. This also made the surgery much safer.

Meredith's teacher health insurance ran out the same month that Nick's work allowed part time employees to have insurance. Without that our bill would be over $50,000.

All of the friends and family that have been helping us with food and finances.

God kept Meredith home this year (from work) which has allowed her to focus on getting better.

Due to a cancelation appointment we got in 21 days earlier to our pulmonologist, which led us to one of the best surgeons in the country.